PocketCake lunches CPU designed for virtual reality simulations

The company's Virtual Reality Simulation Converter Assembly allows for up to eight people to experience a VR simulation at the same time.

February 27, 2014 |

PocketCake

A new product from PocketCake, called VRSCA (for Virtual Reality Simulation Converter Assembly), is three times more powerful than the average high-performance computer and allows for up to eight people to experience a virtual reality simulation at the same time.

VR enables users to experience immersive, computer-generated 3D environments through the use of specialized headsets and state of the art modeling software. Since the price of VR headsets and software has dropped significantly in recent years, developers are limited only by their imaginations and processing efficiency.

PocketCake is releasing a new product, the VRSCA (for Virtual Reality Simulation Converter Assembly), to remove the limits on processing power and setting developers' imaginations free.

Most computers are not equipped to handle the massive volume of data contained in a typical VR simulation file. A high performance laptop computer can process the data necessary to simulate a 25,000 square-foot building at a frequency of 25 frames per second.

By contrast, VRSCA processes the same model at 80 frames per second. A 100,000-square-foot model with defined interior and dynamic lighting would crash the average high-powered computer. VRSCA, on the other hand, runs the simulation with ease: no lag; no overheating.

VRSCA allows for up to eight people, wearing headsets such as the Oculus Rift, to experience a virtual reality simulation in the same room at the same time.

Virtual reality simulations for multiple viewers

VRSCA is available in four models: a single viewer, a dual viewer, a 4-person viewer and an 8-person viewer. The single, dual and 4-person viewers are portable. Each VRSCA is capable of hosting as many as 58 viewers remotely. This means simulations can be viewed simultaneously by 58 viewers in different locations.

VRSCA can be equipped with options such as a controller that allows for easy navigation through a simulation and the ability to change spawn points and control lighting.

Stanford graduate and hardware engineering manager for QuEST Rail, Matt Rogge PhD, EE is overseeing design and production of VRSCA. Dr. Rogge's knowledge and experience in railroad control electronics and digital systems provides a key element to the VRSCA project's success.

The San Bernardino (Calif.) Valley Community College Kinesiology and Athletics Center, designed by HMC Architects. The three-story, 108,509-sf, $69 million facility has two NCAA competition gymasiums. Photo: David Fennema, HMC Architects.